As the restaurant industry in Vancouver continues to thrive and experience increasing competition, it becomes crucial for restaurants to deliver exceptional dining experiences to their guests. One of the key factors in achieving this is training servers to be skilled order-makers rather than mere order-takers. In this blog post, we will discuss effective strategies to train your servers in 2023 and elevate their ability to upsell and recommend menu items. Furthermore, we will introduce Pinnacle Hospitality Consultants, a leading firm that specializes in assisting restaurants with server training and development.

I. Provide Comprehensive Product Knowledge Training One of the foundational steps in transforming servers into order-makers is equipping them with extensive knowledge about the menu items. This encompasses not only the ingredients but also details such as taste profiles, presentation styles, and recommended pairings. By imparting this knowledge, servers will be able to make well-informed recommendations to guests based on their preferences and tastes. At Pinnacle Hospitality Consultants, we offer comprehensive product knowledge training programs tailored to your restaurant’s unique menu. Our training ensures that servers are capable of confidently describing and recommending your menu items to guests.

II. Foster a Culture of Upselling Upselling presents an excellent opportunity to boost your restaurant’s revenue while simultaneously enhancing the dining experience for guests. Encourage your servers to suggest complementary menu items such as appetizers, desserts, or drink pairings. This not only increases revenue but also leaves a lasting impression on guests, making their experience more memorable. At Pinnacle Hospitality Consultants, we specialize in training servers on effective upselling techniques that enable them to excel as order-makers.

III. Cultivate Active Listening Skills Active listening is a fundamental skill for servers to possess. It enables them to discern the needs and preferences of each guest, allowing for tailored recommendations. Moreover, active listening helps foster positive rapport with guests, leading to increased gratuities and the likelihood of repeat business. Pinnacle Hospitality Consultants offers training programs specifically designed to enhance active listening skills. Our training equips your servers with improved communication abilities, making them more effective order-makers.

IV. Empower Servers to Make Decisions Empowering servers to make decisions can significantly bolster their confidence and ability to provide well-informed recommendations. This empowerment can include allowing servers to suggest menu items, propose substitutions, or offer complimentary items to guests. At Pinnacle Hospitality Consultants, we offer specialized training on how to effectively empower servers, enabling them to make decisions that enhance the overall guest experience.

V. Establish Ongoing Training and Feedback Mechanisms Continuous training and constructive feedback are indispensable elements of any successful server training program. These components enable servers to continually refine their skills and deliver exceptional guest experiences. Pinnacle Hospitality Consultants provides ongoing training and feedback to ensure that your servers consistently perform at the highest level. Our comprehensive approach guarantees that your servers are always well-prepared and continuously improving.

In conclusion, training your servers to become proficient order-makers instead of mere order-takers can significantly elevate the dining experience for your guests, leading to increased revenue and repeat business. At Pinnacle Hospitality Consultants, we specialize in delivering expert training programs designed to help your servers become exceptional order-makers. If you are ready to take your restaurant’s service to the next level, email us today at Morgan@hospitalityconsulting.co to schedule a complimentary consultation. Let us assist you in elevating your restaurant to new heights of success.